account for everything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "account for everything" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to explain or justify all aspects of a situation or phenomenon. Example: "In order to complete the report, we must account for everything that has happened over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

We are rightly expected to account for everything we spend.

The Guardian

I did everything I could to account for everything".

The Guardian

The snippets account for everything else, their vibration rates determining which subatomic particles they impersonate.

The New York Times - Books

And how exactly do you account for everything that's gone into making the artist?

Independent

But the markets don't account for everything, like so-called externalities.

The New York Times - Science

While there are merits to the various arguments, they do not account for everything.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It seems that there is no need for finer tuning, because OCEAN accounts for everything.

The New Yorker

"Marlborough has accounted for everything they were aware of," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"But what we're trying to do is find out, by looking at brain networks and accounting for everything in the environment, is where your reading ability originates".

The New Yorker

If you calculate a positive number, assuming you have accounted for everything properly, the result will be the amount of your cash advance for the semester.

Harvard University

It's a revelation that accounts for everything and, for that reason, feels unsatisfying, minimizing of the unfathomable nature of Anna's feat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports or analyses, ensure you explicitly state how you "account for everything" to demonstrate thoroughness and transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "account for everything" unless you can genuinely demonstrate that all relevant factors have been considered. Overselling your analysis can damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "account for everything" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of providing a comprehensive explanation or taking into consideration all relevant factors. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically sound and frequent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

26%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "account for everything" signifies a comprehensive explanation or consideration of all relevant factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, science and academic contexts. While alternative phrases like "explain all aspects" or "consider every detail" exist, they may not always capture the same level of thoroughness. When using this phrase, ensure you can genuinely demonstrate that all relevant factors have been considered to maintain credibility. Its frequent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take everything into account

Highlights the act of considering all factors without necessarily explaining them.

explain all aspects

Focuses on providing a detailed explanation covering all facets.

factor in everything

Similar to taking everything into account, but suggests incorporating elements into a calculation or plan.

detail every aspect

Emphasizes providing specific details for all aspects.

consider every detail

Emphasizes thorough consideration of all details, possibly omitting the explanation aspect.

explain each element

Focuses on individually explaining each element.

cover all bases

Implies addressing all potential issues or requirements, which may be more pragmatic than explanatory.

comprehend everything

Places more emphasis on understanding all aspects rather than just explaining or considering them.

leave no stone unturned

Suggests a very thorough investigation, more intensive than simple accounting.

be responsible for everything

Shifts the focus to accountability and responsibility, adding a layer beyond mere explanation or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "account for everything" in a sentence?

You can use "account for everything" to indicate a comprehensive explanation or consideration of all relevant factors. For example, "The model needs to "account for everything" that influences the market."

What is a less formal alternative to "account for everything"?

Less formal alternatives include "cover all bases" or "think of everything". These alternatives are suitable for casual conversations but may lack the rigor required for formal writing.

Is it better to say "account for everything" or "take everything into account"?

Both phrases are correct, but "account for everything" often implies a detailed explanation or justification, whereas "take everything into account" simply suggests consideration. The best choice depends on your intended meaning.

What does it mean when someone says they "can't account for everything"?

It means they cannot explain or control all aspects of a situation. This can be due to unforeseen circumstances, lack of information, or inherent complexity.